Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, a family BBQ, or simply as a light lunch, this salad stands out with its unique texture and vibrant ingredients. With its delightful crunch and tangy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Light and Refreshing: The cucumbers and herbs create a light dish that’s perfect for warm weather.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with grilled meats, serve as a side, or enjoy on its own!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and protein from feta cheese.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or nuts for personalized flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process. Preparation is crucial for achieving the best flavors and textures in this dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Medium-sized bowl
• Glass jar or bowl (for dressing)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures clean cuts for even-sized cucumber pieces, enhancing presentation.
• Medium-sized bowl: Allows ample space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
• Glass jar or bowl: Perfect for mixing dressings; easy to pour over the salad.

Ingredients

To make the delicious Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

• 4 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Dressing Ingredients

• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic – peeled and minced
• Salt and pepper – to taste

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash and dry the cucumbers well. Chop each one in half. Place each half onto a cutting board. Use the flat side of your knife and your hand to smash each cucumber half. Then chop them into 1-inch pieces and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Note: If your cucumbers are larger, cut each one in half horizontally then vertically for easier smashing.

Step 2: Add Avocado

Peel the avocado, chop it into cubes, and add it to the bowl with the smashed cucumbers.

Step 3: Combine Other Ingredients

Add all of the remaining salad ingredients—crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, dill, chives—to the same bowl.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a glass jar or bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to emulsify.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Enjoy! For an extra touch, sprinkle more fresh herbs on top before serving.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This smashed cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a side dish or a light meal, there are plenty of options to enjoy this refreshing salad.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect with grilled meats – The lightness of the salad complements rich flavors from grilled chicken or steak.
• Accompanying seafood – This salad pairs beautifully with shrimp or fish dishes, adding a fresh crunch.

In a Wrap

• Wrap it up – Use your favorite flatbread or tortilla to make a delicious wrap filled with smashed cucumber salad, protein, and greens.

On Top of Hummus

• Serve it on hummus – Spread some creamy hummus on a plate and top it with the smashed cucumber salad for a delightful appetizer.

Mixed into Quinoa or Rice

• Combine with grains – Mix the salad into cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier dish that still feels light.

How to Perfect Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

To truly elevate your smashed cucumber salad, consider these tips. They will help you achieve the best flavors and textures in your dish.

• Choose fresh ingredients – Use ripe avocados and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
• Cut cucumbers correctly – Smash cucumbers properly to enhance their texture and allow for better absorption of the dressing.
• Adjust seasoning – Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity based on your preference.
• Chill before serving – Letting the salad chill for about 30 minutes enhances flavor melding and makes it even more refreshing.

Best Side Dishes for Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Smashed cucumber salad is not only delightful on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy marinated chicken skewers bring a smoky flavor that balances the freshness of the salad.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and texture, making for a wholesome meal.
3. Pita Bread with Tzatziki – Soft pita paired with tangy tzatziki offers a Mediterranean twist that complements the flavors of the salad.
4. Lentil Soup – A warm bowl of lentil soup adds comfort and nourishment alongside the coolness of the salad.
5. Mediterranean Couscous – Fluffy couscous mixed with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta creates an ideal pairing.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains or protein provide both visual appeal and flavor contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using the wrong cucumbers: Not all cucumbers are created equal. Persian or English cucumbers are best for this salad due to their thin skin and fewer seeds.

• Over-mashing the cucumbers: It’s important to smash the cucumbers just enough to break them apart but not so much that they turn into mush. Aim for a chunky texture for better flavor and bite.

• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh dill and chives add a vibrant taste to the salad. Don’t skip them; they elevate the dish and make it more refreshing.

• Making the dressing too early: If you prepare the dressing in advance, it may lose its emulsification. Whisk it just before serving for a fresh taste.

• Neglecting seasoning: Always taste your salad before serving. A pinch of salt and pepper can enhance flavors significantly, so don’t hesitate to season well.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover smashed cucumber salad in an airtight container.
• This salad is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

• Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of cucumbers.
• If necessary, freeze in a container but consume within one month.

Reheating Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

• Oven: Not recommended since this salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating; enjoy it fresh.
• Stovetop: Again, this salad should be served chilled, so reheating is unnecessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill:

How long does Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill last?

This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or even chickpeas for extra flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch on its own. Its versatility makes it an excellent side dish!

Is Smashed Cucumber Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is low in calories while being high in nutrients from fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats from avocado.

Final Thoughts

The Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a delightful addition to any meal. It’s quick, fresh, and incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding other ingredients or adjusting seasonings according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!

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Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, this salad features crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all elevated by the aromatic notes of dill and chives. Whether served at a summer picnic or as a light lunch, this versatile salad can easily accompany grilled meats or stand alone as a satisfying meal. Its customizable nature allows you to add your favorite herbs or nuts for an extra flavor twist. Enjoy the delightful crunch and zesty dressing of this healthy salad that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic – peeled and minced
• Salt and pepper – to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and dry two cucumbers. Cut each in half lengthwise and smash them gently with the flat side of a knife. Chop into 1-inch pieces.
2. Cube one ripe avocado and add it to the bowl with the smashed cucumbers.
3. Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, dill, and chives into the bowl.
4. In a separate jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg